We could be on the cusp of great change. No, not that one. Much too obvious. When Gary Stevenson, creator of the popular Gary’s Economics YouTube channel, drops into the Big Issue office in London, Keir Starmer’s demise and Andy Burnham’s imminent coronation is not a dead cert. But we don’t need an influencer to tell us which way the political wind blows.
When Starmer resigns a few days later, it’s no surprise. For Stevenson, the exciting change that’s coming is a proper debate around a wealth tax. The 39-year-old has built a huge following since launching Gary’s Economics in 2020 – and his backing for a new tax to tackle inequality is at the heart of his output.
This week, he took over our magazine with his gang of influencers to talk all about it.
What else is in this week’s Big Issue?
Cruel and archaic Vagrancy Act finally repealed – after years of campaigning from Big Issue
Rough sleeping is no longer a criminal offence in England and Wales. On 29 June, the Labour government confirmed that it has repealed the archaic Vagrancy Act, which was first introduced in 1824 to deal with soldiers on the streets following the Napoleonic Wars. The decision follows years of campaigning from Big Issue and other homelessness organisations.
Money milestones
Whether it’s welcoming a newborn, raising a young family, being made redundant, handling a relationship breakdown or caring for the elderly, a change in circumstances can push people over the fine line between getting by and financially struggling. So here’s a guide for whether you’re facing these moments in life or others like them. Remember, help is out there.
‘There’s nobody homeless in the room adding to the policies on homelessness. What’s that about?’
Barry Ferns welcomes Big Issue to the Bill Murray comedy pub in Islington, North London. He’s had to ditch his car and hop on his fold-up bike to arrive in time. We head upstairs, surprise a half-naked chef, then settle down to talk psychology, poverty, comedy and YouTube. He told us all about his journey from homelessness to running a comedy club.
